The CDFA is just about to launch a new tool, providing a dynamic framework for CDFIs to comprehensively, consistently and clearly report on their social impact. By mapping the value of community finance to all its stakeholders, we can build a stron g compelling case for future investment and support – vital for the sector’s future success. Continue reading
Category: News
New government = new horizons?
Ben Hughes reflects on the forthcoming election and its implications for our industry. With the three main national parties having an evident commitment to at least some aspects of the work of CDFIs, can we look forward to a time of new hope and opportunity? Continue reading
Celebrating 25 years of helping East Mids entrepreneurs
Neil Millington explains how First Enterprise has transformed its lending and business support over a quarter of a century, and why they’re so proud of one of their clients crowned winner at this year’s Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards Continue reading
CIC news: Community Investment Coalition calls for action to ensure FinTech revolution helps tackle financial exclusion
The financial services sector is facing rapid change. New technology and differing consumer expectations are creating demand for financial services that are tailored to individual needs and delivered in different ways. This is creating real opportunity… Continue reading
How do we meet the growing need for affordable credit?
13.04.2015 A new discussion paper by the Carnegie UK Trust has set out the need for a range of affordable alternatives to meet the demand for small sum short-term credit – including CDFIs and credit unions.… Continue reading
CIC news: A Community Investment Coalition letter to the Chancellor
The Community Investment Coalition has today written this letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer in response to the Budget: Letter to the Chancellor, 18th March 2015. The letter covers four steps that UK Government can… Continue reading
CIC press release: Financial Inclusion Commission urges UK Government to improve financial health of the nation
The Community Investment Coalition (CIC) has warmly welcomed the Financial Inclusion Commission’s report ‘Improving the financial health of the nation’. The Financial Inclusion Commission’s work has highlighted the vulnerability of private finances and the lack of… Continue reading
Financial Inclusion Commission calls for new Minister for Financial Health
New report sets out vision for financially inclusive Britain and recommends measures to promote sustainability of community finance and for banks and other lenders to work more closely with community finance firms Continue reading
Winners announced in the 2015 Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards
Outstanding entrepreneurs and community lenders celebrated at national awards for their achievements in creating jobs, services and prosperity in their communities. Continue reading
Citizens UK launches proposal to save half a million people from debt
A proposal to use £200m of fines on banks and payday lenders to support community finance organisations such as credit unions has today been launched by the national community organising charity Citizens UK. The idea, which is supported by the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Task Group on Responsible Credit and Savings, would see the creation of a Community Finance Foundation to help ethical alternatives to high-cost credit expand their reach and improve their sustainability. It is estimated that over the next five years such a venture would help 500,000 people avoid high-cost credit, saving them over £200m per year in interest and fees and reducing the cost of problem debt on wider society by £1.4bn. Continue reading